Manchester United's Paul Pogba has created considerable controversy today after the Frenchman admitted he hopes certain key Manchester City players get injured this year.
Speaking on BBC One's Football Focus programme, Pogba said for Manchester United to be successful this season they would require their cross-city rivals to slip up, whether that be on the field or off it:
Someday I hope they are going to slip and I hope, it's bad to say things like this, but fortunately for us, I hope they will get some very important players injured like what happened with us. People don't see it, don't speak of it but every time you have players injured, important players they get injured when there is important games. If that happened to them maybe it will be different, a little touch that makes them weaker.
Recording-breaking purchase Pogba missed 12 games this season due to a hamstring tear. During that time there was a considerable dip in Manchester United's performance as Mourinho's side struggled to handle the loss of his creativity.
Imagine falling that far behind that you have to get your best player to wish horrendous injuries upon our players.
Very classy from Paul Pogba. pic.twitter.com/BDa8YYYO1K
— BM²² (@CrossLikeMendy) December 2, 2017
Man City have won 13 out of 14 games this season and currently sit eight points clear of United at the top of the table. The comment has predictably sparked a strong reaction online, with Man City fans furious at the idea of wishing injury upon a fellow professional.
Pogba has just wished injuries to city players as the only way to slow us down, a professional player wishing injuries upon his fellow professional players is pretty disgusting
— Joe K (@CiaranCTID) December 2, 2017
Did Paul Pogba really say that he hopes Man City players get injured ????!! Mou is really rubbing off on them
— whitney is All Too Unwell (BPDTV) (@whitneypong) December 2, 2017
Hey @ManCity .. shouldn't you officially request an inquiry by @FA into @paulpogba statements .. I mean if Pep enthusiastic encouragement requires one, It's safe to assume Pogba's wishes of harm is worth a slap on the wrist.
— Ibrahim | برهوم (@phibrahim) December 2, 2017
Throughout the entire interview, Pogba was brutally honest, also admitting he was an Arsenal fan as a kid and that he was glad to no longer be the most expensive player in the world. His comments may upset many but at the very least it is encouraging to see a Premier League footballer speak openly during an interview.
On the other hand, City were unaffected by injuries to Vicent Kompany, Sergio Aguero and John Stones already this year. For Man City, the remark was perfectly timed as it provides a welcomed piece of motivation prior to next week's Manchester Derby.
That game just got a lot more interesting.
